Berrien Fire Chief’s Association Meeting 10-15-2014

Called to order by Chief Davidson at 1841 hours

ATTENDANCE:

TREASURER’S REPORT – Chief Lamb reported the treasurer’s report at $1918.92.

MINUTES – Minutes from the September meeting were approved with all in favor.

COMMUNICATIONS / BILLS –. None

PRESENTATION - None

C OMMITTEE REPORTS

911 – Director Agens was absent as he was in California for his sons graduation from boot camp. Assistant Director LaBaumbard commented on the HIP. It was presented at the last Police Chiefs Meeting with only minor alterations proposed. Ops committee will discuss it next week. He hopes to get some movement on the Active Shooter Protocol in upcoming weeks.

Telrad went has gone back through all of our tower sites. The MUX clock was changed out with the spare and the old one going out for refurbishment. Coloma tower will have its antenna changed out. The Saint Joe Tower was fine. They are consulting with a Simulcast “Guru” to see if any modifications are available to help. A trouble ticket is being developed to allow users to report and staff to properly track issues.

Dispatch Supervisor position was discussed. This new approach would free up supervisors between 1000 hrs and 1400 hrs. Contract must be changed and negotiated. Chief Stover added that since 4 additional dispatchers could be hired under the plan it might be an opportunity to provide designated fire dispatcher.

The discussion also included Medic 1 dispatch with questions relating to radio traffic with medic units. Recommendations to make contact with your Medic 1 rep if you have concerns. Fire Chiefs are also welcome to attend the Medic I meetings last Thursday of the Month at 0830 hrs. Unless fire leaders come together as one unified group nothing will change. Concerns relating to unstaffed stations, response times, attitude, cutting cars were all discussed. Supervisors are now in ambulance and no longer in cars. Need to document issues times, location, etc. .

DNR –none.

Funeral Protocol – Berrien Springs EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT –. Dave Albers reported on the most recent NRC drills.

LEPC –.None

SHERIFF- Na

RED CROSS- Chief Davidson discussed the recent downsizing underway at the Red Cross. He will be meeting with the Director from Kalamazoo about the 911 Memorial in the upcoming weeks. It is currently in the hands of a local investor but the Red Cross retains control. Design of the monument has yet to be released to the fire service. Chief Burkett requested that other municipalities be allowed to bid on the location of the beam.

Chief Jones discussed his most recent fire which came in at 3:21 in the afternoon. The Red Cross was called but didn’t make contact with the family until the next day.

HAZ-MAT- None

BCFFA& BCYF –- 911 Technician Sexton reported on the presentation from the last meeting. Active 911 was also discussed. . TRAINING –. Chief Stover reported 9 students are in the morning class with 31 in the evening class. Denny praised the burn trailer they recently put it to use in Benton Twp. Airport trailer is currently at Chikaming for 3 weeks. Chief101 class being held at Baroda. Scott Maintenance Class at Berrien.

MABAS-.. Chief Lamb will be presenting to Battle Creek and VanBuren County in the next few weeks. Captain DeLaTorre discussed Mutual Aid Net.

OLD BUSINESS -. Chief Stover discussed the finding of issues with the smoke detectors being given out for free. Apparently manufacture thinks that we are holding the test button too long. Bruce also offered 9000 free 9 volts he is trying to find a good home.

Dennis Graham & Gerry Kabelman were awarded $50 reimbursement awards for the Kids Safety Station at the Youth Fair. . NEW BUSINESS – Chief Knuth reported that Med Control will be coming out of Kalamazoo. Going from 62 officers to 6-8 State wide. Hope is to unify protocols.

Chief Lamb will bring the TRT Trailer to the Next Meeting.

Adjourned at 1955 Next Meeting November 12th at 830 hours Lincoln Twp Fire Station

RS Larry Lamb